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THE 



IWASHINGTON MONUMENT. 



SHALL IT BE BUILT! 



m 



mmmMM 



TO THE 



CITIZENS OF NEW YORK, 



BY 



I 



I . S . LYON 



NEW YORK: 

PRINTED BY WM. OLAND BOURNE, 

197 Third Avenue. 






TO THlE READER. 



The following little address, on the subject of the Washington Monument, 
was written in the hope that it might prove inetrumental in once more call- 
ing the attention of the public to the merits of the subject. It is the has- 
tily wrijten production of a person who makes no pretensions to scholarship, 
and hence the many errors and imperfections in its composition. I have 
felt and written warmly on the subject — and all I ask of my fellow citizens 
is, that it may be read in the same, earnest and candid spirit in which it was 
written. I claim no merits for it as a literary performance. My principal 
object has been to endeavor to make th« reader think and eeel upon the 
subject ; and should I have succeeded in this, I shall feel that I have been 
more than compensated for the midnight oil and midnight labor expended 
in preparing it for publication. And should anything I have said or sug- 
gested have a tendency to bring the question once more before the public, I 
shall rejoice that it was written ; but should it meet with no such satisfac- 
tory response, I shall still enjoy the heart-felt satisfaction of knowing that I 
have, in my humble way, performed my duty in the matter. 

This pamphlet would have been published two weeks sooner, had T not 
been deceived by a promise that was never performed; and this is my apo- 
logy for the delay in its publication. I. S. L. 

: • ' NovEMEisR I2'ihr '":."■'. 



ADDRESS. 



To the People of the City of New York, icithout 
distinction of sex, creed, party or condition. 

Fellow Citizens: 

I WISH to call your earnest and undivided attention, for a 
few moments, to a subject of great interest and deep concern to 
every one of you. I wish to have a little plain talk with you 
about Washington, and that Monument which is yet to be rear- 
ed to his memory. The time was when considerable feeling was 
manifested upon this subject — when the excitement ran high, 
among a particular class, in certain localities. Private meetings 
were held — architects were employed to furnish suitable designs 
and drawings — advantageous locations were sought after, and 
even subscription books were talked about: hut no public expres- 
sion of the popular will was called for; no demonstration of the 
the public mind and feeling was solicited. And what was the 
consequence ? The excitement gradually died away ; the minds 
of the people were diverted to other objects ; and a calm 
now rests upon the whole subject, as noiseless and unbroken as 
that which broods over the the tomb of the Father of his Coun- 
try, amid the sacred shades of his own peaceful Vernon. 

Such being the past and present state of affairs, in relation to 
this great work of love and patriotism, permit me, then, once 
more to propound the important question : " Shall the Washing- 
ton Monument be built ?" And, if built, where ? when ? how ? 
and by whom shall it be built? 

With your permission, fellow citizens, I now propose making 
a few plain, practical and common-sense remarks, in reply to 
the foregoing interrogatories ; and I do most fervently pray that 
they may awaken a feeling in the public mind that shall not be 
quieted until the Monument shall have been built, or the project 
be forever abandoned. Let me exhort you to do either one 
thing or the other ; and that which you resolve to do, do quick- 
ly. Let there be no more adjournments to a more convenient 
season. The thing has been permitted to remain in an undecided 
state too long already. You will, I doubt not, agree with me, 
that the time for final action and decision in the matter has ar- 
rived, and that longer delay would only expose us to the ridicule 
of the whole country. 

With these few preliminary remarks, I now proceed to the 
discussion of the main proposition — "Shall the Washington 
Monument be built?" For one, I am prepared to say that it 



shall ; and, for the furtherance of such a project, I hold myself 
ready, at an hour's notice, when applied to by the properly con- 
stituted authorities, to contribute as much, according to my 
means, as any other individual within the bounds of the City 
corporation. It has always been customary among all civilized 
nations, from the earliest ages of antiquitiy down to the present 
time, to render homage of some kind to all the great master- 
spirits of their age, who had pre-eminently distinguished them- 
selves in the service of their country. Statesmen who had la- 
bored for the public good — Patriots who have fought and bled 
for home and country — have had monuments, temples, statues, 
and obelisks, raised to their memory, inscribed with their names, 
and lettered with the story of their acheivements. The people 
of other countries have caused the " sleeping marble " to leap 
forth from its native quarries, and pay homage to those of their 
immortal sons who have nobly distinguished themselves in the 
cause of their common country. Nelson, Wellington, and Na- 
poleon, have each been honored by a monument, that will trans- 
mit their names down to future ages, for the emulation of their 
most distant posterity. Such tokens of the people's regard for 
the memory of distinguished national benefactors, have their ori- 
gin in the noblest feelings of human nature, and are honorable 
alike to those who rear them, and those for whom they are 
reared. They bespeak a nation proud of her lineage, and watch- 
ful of the fame of such of their countrymen as have rendered 
their names worthy to be held in overlasting remembrance. 
And shall our own beloved Washington — the greatest and best 
man that ever lived — longer remain uncommemorated by a mo- 
nument worthy the greatness of his name, and the glory of his 
achievements? Forbid it. Patriotism ! Forbid it. National Pride! 
We have too long been taunted and reproached with the ungra- 
cious epithet, "Republics are ungrateful." Let us, then, cease 
talking, and begin to act. Let us go bravely at work, and, by 
building a noble monument to the Father of his Country, erase 
forever this burning stigma from the escutcheon of our national 
character. The work once commenced would never languish 
for want of proper nourishment to sustain it. 

Fully impressed with the belief that the majority of the people 
of this city stand ready to pledge their support towards the erec- 
tion of such a noble work, as soon as convinced of the practica- 
bility of the undertaking, I now venture to predict that, in case 
one more united effort be made, there will be no such thing as 
failure in the case. Believing that such an effort will soon be 
made, and that it will be crowned with that certain success which 
always attends such great undertakings, when the sovereign 
people take the matter in charge, I shall no longer consider the 
building of the Washington Monument a question of doubt and 
uncertainty. 

The next question, then, that comes up for discussion is — 
*' Where shall the monument be built?" On this point there are 



some honest differences of opinion; and well there mio-ht be 
Some of our fellow citizens contend that its location shSuld be 
somewhere m the "Old Dominion." I answer, not in Virginia 
lor the measm-e of her glory is already full to overflowin-^ ''she 
has been sufficiently honored in being the birth-place of a host 
of earth's most gifted and distinguished benefactors. Her's was 
Ihe high honor to give birth to the Father of his Country, and 
the Author of the Declaration of Independence; and there, amid 
the sacred shades of Mount Vernon, and the hallowed precints 
Oi Monticello, then- ashes now rest— and there they will remain 
forever. And though no towering marble marks the spot where 
their hallowed dust reposes, woe unto the people of Viro-inia 
when they shall forget that beneath their native soil sleepi the 
mortal remams of two of the most illustrious men that ever lived 
ui the tide ot time. Not in Virginia ! She needs no monuments 
oMifeless marble to tell //er that Washington and Jefferson lived 
Their graves will always remain in the midst of her people, and 
the fame of their glorious achievements will never cease to ring 
like a trumpet-blast in their ears. 

Others have named the capital of the nation, as the most suit- 
able place for such a Monument. The capital itself bears the 
name of that distinguished personage, whose memory it is in- 
tended to commemorate. The City of Washington is a monu- 
ment Itself, which a grateful nation has reared in commemora- 
tion of the virtues and patriotism of its most exalted benefactor- 
and any other token of the nation's gratitude to the founder and 
father of the Republic, in the District of Columbia, would be 
quite superfluous. Not in the State of Virginia, with whose soil 
mingles the ashes of the immortal patriot ; not in the Capitol ot 
the Nation, which will forever bear the name of the Father of his 
Country, should the contemplated monument to Washino-ton be 
erected. ° ' 

The question, then, very naturally recurs to the inquirino- mind 
of the patriot— if not in A^irginia, his birth-place, nor m th(?Capi- 
tol, which bears his name— where, then, would be the most suit- 
able place for erecting a monument to the memory of Washino-- 
ton that shall be worthy the character of the exalted subiect 
and an honor to the Republic? I answer, here, in the City of 
New York— the metropolis of the Union— the Empire City of 
the Empire State. We are more able to undertake such a costly 
woi^i than any other city in the whole Union, and we should be 
willing and anxious to perform the pleasing task, for we have 
been more benefitted and enriched by the labors of Washino-ton 
and his compatriots, than the people of anv other portion of'^the 
country. Our citizens are amply able to meet the expenses ox 
such an undertaking, and would, no doubt, be willino- to pledo-e 
themselves to contribute anv amount of money reqSired— pro- 
vided they could receive a satisfactory guarantee from those 
having the matter in charge, that the work would be commenced 
at a given time, and prosecuted to a speedy completion. 



6 

The project of erecting a monument to the memory of Wash- 
higton, in this city, has engaged the attention of a few of our 
leading men for a numher of years past; and, some five or six 
years since, a number of those patriotic citizens, actuated by the 
most praise-worthy motives, apphed to the legislature for a char- 
ter for this purpose. Their request was at once complied with 
— a charter was granted, and a Board of Trustees were appoint- 
ed to take charge of the work. Some feeble efforts were made 
to raise the necessary funds, some little excitement was created 
in the public mind, but the attention of the people was soon di- 
verted to other objects, and there the matter rested. But after 
an undisturbed slumber of a few years, the subject was again 
revived by a few of those who had contributed liberally to the 
funds ; and the question was asked, if any person could tell what 
had become of the original trustees, and the funds which they 
had collected. But the question meeting with no satisfactory 
response, the legislature was again applied to, to appoint a new 
board of trustees. This request was readily complied with, and 
a new set of trustees were appointed, with full power to collect 
funds, and carry on the work to its completion. This new board 
numbered among its members some of the most intelligent, en- 
terprising and wealthy of our citizens ; and under such favorable 
auspices, the friends of this laudable enterprise hoped to see the 
work commenced and prosecuted with the utmost vigor. But 
they have again been disappointed ; and the whole subject ap- 
pears to have been consigned to oblivion. Whether this second 
failure was owing to a want of proper management on the part 
of the trustees, or to the absence of the right kind of spirit in the 
breasts of the people, is a secret which has not yet been made 
public. At any rate, we are just where we were in the begin- 
ning, with the whole field of enterprise open before us, on which 
we are at liberty to act as we may think proper. 

Fellow Citizens: Having now, I trust, satisfactorily shown 
that it is the duty of the people of this country to rear a monu- 
ment to the memory of Washington, that shall transmit his name 
and the greatness of his character to the people of future times ; 
and that the City of New York, the great metropolis of this 
mighty nation, is the place for its location, the next important 
inquiry is — " When shall the noble work be commenced ?" The 
reply to this important question must be obvious to all those who 
take a commendable interest in the matter — and I believe their 
name is legion : Noio — at once ; before the sands of another year 
shall have run around. Delays are dangerous ; procrastination 
is the thief of time ; and what we would do well and willingly, 
we must do quickly. Let the people will it — let theni unite as 
one man, and decide that it shall he done — and my lite upon it, 
the monument will be completed in less than five years from this 
time. That which the people of this city decide upon doing, 
they have the energy and ability to perform. Let us, then, re- 
solve that the Washinofton Monument shall be built — that it shall 



be built now. Let the corner-stone at once be laid; and let the 
work be commenced with a firm determination that its proo-ress 
shall not be mipeded; and that each revolving sun shall witness 
an increase in its upward flight, until its cap-stone shall be gilded 
With the bright rays of his glorious refulgence. 

Having now fully determined that the monument shall be built 
and that its location shall be in the city of New York, it will not' 
perhaps, be out of place in this connection to dwell for a moment 
upon the p an most proper to be adopted. As far as it regards 
myseli, I should be perfectly willing to adopt the plan proposed 
by Mr. Follard ; but should a more acceptable model be offered 
et it at once be substituted. The model prepared by Mr Pol- 
lard IS the best that I have seen, and it does honor to the head 
and the heart of the designer. Grand in its conception-chaste 
and beautiful in its style— noble and majestic in its proportions, 
and magnificent in its outlines— it would be the wonde/ and ad- 
miration of the present, and command the respect and venera- 
tion otluture generations. In its archives might be deposited 
such of the rehcs and trophies of the Revolution, as could be 
purchased or obtained by donations; its lower halls might be 
htted upmto vast libraries, for the reception of such books and 
manuscripts as would from time to time be presented to the As- 
sociation ; and the upper halls might be occupied as galleries for 
the safe-keeping and exhibition of the portraits and statues of the 
heroes, orators and statesmen, who were instrumental in achiev- 
ing our Independence. In one of the principal halls, I would 
have deposited the original subscription lists of all those 
who contributed to the work, with their names, occupations 
places of residence, and the amount which each individual sub- 
scribed, attached. Such a record of the founders and builders 
of such a mighty edifice, would be an object of nearly as much 
curiosity and veneration to the three millions of freemen who 
shal inhabit this city a hundred years hence, as the monument 
itself. 

I am not, however, very particular about the form or style of 
the monument, so that it be grand in its dimensions, and maiestic 
!u ^'t^^'^PPearance. Let it not, at any rate, be a mere bubble 
that shall glitter in the sun-light, and dazzle the eye for a day— 
no unsubstantial toy for the admiration of the present generation 
only— but an edifice that shall stand while the earth stands, and 
transmit the name of Washington down to the latest period of 
time. Let it be such a Monument as Earth never saw before, 
tor It will be dedicated to the memory of Earth's Paragon of 
human greatness! Let its foundation be laid deep in the sohd 
earth, and let its summit tower high above all surrounding ob- 
jects—the delight and admiration of every beholder— beautiful 
m the sunshine, majestic in the storm; the last object that shall 
linger on the gaze of the wanderer as he steams it down our no- 
ble bay, and the first that shall break upon his enraptured vision 
when he returns. 



8 

Fellow Citizens : Mcthinks I now hear you all, as with one 
voice, exclahn: "The Washington Monument shall be built— 
shall be built here, in the city of New York — shall be built by 
the contributions of her own citizens — and shall be built now." 
The next question, then, that comes up for our consideration is : 
" How are the funds for such a vast and magnificent undertaking 
to he raised ? and by whom ?" 

Although it might appear like madness, in an humble indivi- 
dual like myself, to enter upon the discussion of a question of 
such weight and magnitude, still I feel emboldened to make the 
attempt, however visionary the scheme may be considered by 
those better able to enlighten the public on the subject. How, 
then, shall the necessary funds for the construction of this mighty 
edifice be raised? 1 answer, by the voluntary contributions of 
the citizens of the city and county of New York alone, without 
distinction of age, sex, creed, birth or condition. A costly work 
like this, destined to remain forever in our midst, should be 
erected by the free contributions of our own citizens, without 
having resort to our distant brethren for aid. As for myself, I 
would rather see the stone remain beneath the earth's surface, 
unquarried, than see it worked into a monument to beautify and 
adorn the city, at the expense of our brethren in distant parts of 
the Union. Let it be the gift of the people of New York to the 
people of the Republic ; that other cities may be led to emulate 
our example, and contend with us for the palm which patriotism 
awards to the distinguished benefactors of their country. Let 
us then perform our duty, and the time is not far distant when 
every city in the land will be graced with a similar monument 
to the memory of Washington, until we shall be known through- 
out the world, as the Great Monumental Republic. 

But how shall we go at work to collect sufficient funds for the 
erection of such an expensive structure, without the assistance 
of our fellow countrymen in other cities and towns ? I beg leave 
to propose a plan, which I recommend to the calm consideration 
of those who have full control over the whole subject. 1 will 
estimate the whole cost of the monument at ^500,000, and the 
time necessary for its construction, at five years ; which, I be- 
lieve, is the highest estimate of money and time necessary for its 
erection. A correct census of the city would, probably, exhibit 
a population of 400,000 souls; one-fourth, at least, of whom 
would be able to contribute something towards such a noble 
work. Suppose — and I thinx the supposition within the bounds 
of possibility — suppose that 100,000 of our population should 
agree to contribute 81,00 a year, for five years, towards defray 
ino- the expenses of the contemplated monument, what would be 
the result? Why, at the end of five years, we should present 
the country with a monumental structure to the memory of 
Washington, such as no other country has ever reared to the 
memory of its most distinguished benefactor. It would be an 
ornament to the city — an honor to the country — and would com- 



mand the respect and admiration of the world. And is there an 
individual among us, male or female, who has arrived at the 
age of manhood or womanhood, who would not contribute the 
petty pittance above-named towards the erection of such a noble 
and magnificent monument? Is there a singe individual, among 
the 100,000 referred to, who could not contribute the sum speci- 
fied, without depriving themselves of any of the comforts or ne- 
cessaries of life? No; not one. But would they be willing? 
that's the question ; try them once, and see. Only let the word 
go forth that the Washington Monument shall he built, and there 
is not a seamstress-girl or apprentice-boy in the city, but would 
willingly contribute their dollar a year toward the accomplish- 
ment of such an object. 

But will not some of the 100,000, above referred to, neglect 
to pay their subscriptions when called on for that purpose? 
Such a thing might take place, it is true ; but the few who could 
thus dishonor themsdves, would not retard the progress of the 
work, for their delinquenceis would be more than made up by 
contributions fro n other sources. There are many individuals 
amoug us who are abundantly able, and who stand ready and 
willing, as soon as they can see a prospect of the good work 
being commenced, to contribute to the tune of hundreds and 
thousands of dollars, if required. Besides all this, donations 
and contributions would flow into the treasury from various 
other sources. I will venture to predict, that there is not a 
theatre or any other place of public amusement in the city, that 
would not contribute as much as one free benefit, yearly, to the 
funds of such a popular and laudable undertaking. 

Let the public mind be once properly awakened upon the sub- 
ject, and my word for it, you will find the people not only wil- 
ling to contribute al! that is required, but impatient to see the 
work in progress, and hurrying on to its completion. But how 
is the public mind to be roused up and called into action, and 
made to feel and comprehend t'ce importance of such an under- 
taking? Let me suggest a plan for the consideration of those 
who have the full control of the whole subject in their hands. 
If tried, it would do no harm, and might possibly prove success- 
ful. Action, energetic action, is all (hat is required to set the 
ball in motion, and once fairly put in motion, it will not cease 
rolling until the noble work shall have been completed. Let the 
trustees of the association once more wake up, and bestir them- 
selves on the subject. They have a solemn duty to perform in 
this matter, and if they refuse to make use of such means as they 
have in their power, to bring the question to a favorable issue, 
a betrayed and indignant public will most assuredly hold them 
to account for their neglect. Let them, then, without further 
delay take hold of the matter in earnest, and issue a card to the 
i^\ih\\c, pledging their sacred word of honor, that the monumont 
shall be commenced at a specified time, and that it shall be hur- 
ried forward with all possible dispatch. Having thus pledged 



10 

themselves to the people that the work shall be immediately 
commenced, and that its progress and completion will depend 
upon the liberality of a generous public, let them issue a call for 
a public meeting in the Park, to take the whole matter into con- 
sideration. Let the whole population of the city, without dis- 
tinction of sex, birth, politics or religion be invited to attend, 
and decide upon the all-important question : "Shall the Empire 
city of the Republic, by the voluntary contributions of her own 
citizens, erect a monument to the memory of Washington, that 
shall be worthy the high character which she now maintains 
throughout the whole length and breadth of the land?" Such a 
call would be responded to by such a mighty gathering of the 
people as was never before witnessed on the American Conti- 
nent, upon any occasion. Let this Monster Meeting, be an all- 
day meeting : let it be called in the morning, and let it be con- 
tinued until the setting of the sun — " no postponement on ac- 
count of the weather." Let all political differences and party 
animosities be buried in the grave of the past, for this day at 
least ; and let all the distinguished orators, of every creed and 
party in the city, be invited to address the different sections of 
the meeting. Such a mighty demonstration of " We, the Peo- 
ple," convened together on such an occasion, and in such a glo- 
rious cause, would cause the dormant flame of patriotism to burn 
anew in every bosom, and light the fire of generous sympathy 
in every breast. Every orator's soul would be the well-spring 
of eloquence, and every tongue would be a flame of patriotic 
fire, from which would issue " thoughts that breathe, and words 
that burn." Futile and feeble, as I know would be the effort, I 
feel that I should like to be present, and address one of the grand 
divisions of such an assemblage, on such a glorious and joyful 
occasion. Such a meeting of freemen, convened for such a no- 
ble purpose, might loosen the mute-bound tongue to speechful- 
ness, and cause it to break forth in strains of eloquence that 
would warm the coldest heart, while those who never heard 
before, would wondering gaze and obedient listen. In the beau- 
tiful and inspiring language of poetry — 

" Such a cause 
Might warm the torpid earth, put hearts in stones, 
And stir the ashes of our ancestors, 
Till from their tombs our warrior sires come forth, 
Range on our side, and cheer us on to yictory." 

Let the meeting be held, then, fellow citizens — let the united 
voice of the people go forth, that the work shall be commenced 
— let ACTION be our watch-word, and unceasing perseverance 
our rallying cry — and not five years shall have elapsed before 
we shall see our noble city graced with an appropriate monu- 
ment to the memory of Washington. 

The evening of this great day of joy and jubilee should like- 
wise be devoted to the same noble cause. The patriotic enthu- 
siasm already warmed into existence, should not be allowed to 



11 

cool: but the excitement should be kept up, and not until the 
people have unanimously resolved that the monument sliall be 
built, should the question cease to be agitated. A forum should 
be raised in every public room in the city, around which the 
now excited people should gather, and shout forth their patriotic 
enthusiasm, until not a single individual could be found who would 
dare to raise his voice in opposition to the measure. Let the ex- 
periment be tried — let the public mind be fairly awakened to the 
necessity and importance of such an undertaking — let the love 
of city pride be stirred up and brought into action — let the lam- 
bent flame of patriotism be kindled in every bosom — and, then, 
should the noble work languish and die for the want of suitable 
nourishment to sustain it and bring it to maturity, let us forever 
after be branded as a community of selfish and ungrateful dema- 
gogues, unworthy the blessings we enjoy, and the proud position 
we occupy — '"degenerate sons of noble sires" — and no longer 
fit to be classed among the the enlightened citizens of a free peo- 
ple. 

But such will not be the case. We are not a people who re- 
solve to do that which we have not the means to accomplish, 
and the will to perform ; instances, to prove which, are not 
wanting in the history of our noble State and Empire city. In 
the construction of the Erie Canal, the character of our 8tate 
stands redeemed in the eyes of the whole country, as the bold ori- 
ginator and liberal promoter of vast works of internal improve- 
ment ; and in the erection of the Croton Aqueduct — the greatest 
public work of modern times — our city has proved herself a worthy 
offspring of her noble parent. Having accomplished thus much 
for the benefit of the trade and commerce of the mighty West, 
and for the happiness and comfort of our own citizens, let us 
now go bravely at work, and show our love and veneration for 
constitutional law and republican freedom, by erecting a monu- 
ment to the memory of Washington, that shall be alike honora- 
ble to ourselves, as the metropolis of the nation, and to the high 
character of the illustrious personage whose name it will bear. 
By doing this, we shall have performed an act worthy of our- 
selves, of the age and nation in which we live, and we shall 
then be known throughout the world, not only as the great em- 
porium of commerce, the seat of intelligence, refinement, and 
the arts, but as the great Island City of Fountains and Monu- 
ments. 

On the morning succeeding this mighty demonstration of the 
people, in Committe of the Whole on the State of the Washing- 
ton Monument, let the Trustees of the Association prepare them- 
selves with a list, of substantial parchment, that shall extend 
from White Hall Dock to King's Bridge, and commence the 
work of enrolling the names of such of our citizens as are willing 
to contribute to the undertaking. Let this list be divided into 
as many parts as there are election districts in the city, and let a 
responsible persojw from each district take charge of one of these 



12 

lists, with particular instructions to be sure and place it bef«re 
every individual in his district, for their signatures. When the 
whole city has been thus fairly canvassed, if sufficient encour- 
agement is not manifested, in the amount of the subscriptions 
obtained, to justify the trustees in commencing the work, then 
let the project of erecting a monument to the memory of Wash- 
ington, in the City of New York, be at once and forever aban- 
doned. As an inducement for every person t« subscribe, at 
least one dollar a year, I would have it universally understood, 
that every such subscriber should be entitled to receive and 
hold, during his life, a free ticket of admission, to the library, 
the galleries, the archives, and every other part of the monu- 
ment ; and that all the original lists, containing, in their own 
hand-writing, the names of the subscribers, should be neatly 
framed and hung upon the walls of one of the rooms, which 
should be appropriated exclusively to such a purpose, forever. 
The apartment devoted to this purpose should be denominated 
"The Hall of the Subscribers to the New York Washington 
Monument." Such a collection of the autographs of the present, 
would be one of the most valuable and interesting legacies they 
could leave to future generations. They would, by this means, 
rear a lasting monument to their own memory, as well as tO' 
that of their illustrious countryman, Washington. 

And, now, is there a single individual who prides himself on 
being a New-Yorker, fool-hardy enough to doubt the practica- 
bility of such an undertaking ? If there be one such, from my 
soul I pity him ! As for myself, 

" I had rather be a dog, and bay the moon, 
Than such a Roman." 

If there be one such, coldness must dwell in his heart, and ob- 
tuseness in his intellect ! The darkness of such a mind, would 
require the full force of the most powerful Drummond Light 
to illuminate the murky dungeons of its benighted brain. 

What say you, then, gentlemen composing the board of trus- 
tees of the Washington Monument Association? Shall the at- 
tempt be made? Shall the experiment be tried ? Or shall the 
thing be deemed one of the impossibilities of the age, and be 
suffered to remain in its present torpid state? Or shall not one 
more last and successful effort be made? Let but the procla- 
mation go forth that the monument shall be built, and see how 
the people will fly to your assistance. Wake up, then, from 
your slumbers, shake ofi" your sluggishness, and prepare for ac- 
tion. 

What say you to the Twenty-Fifth day of November, as the 
day for calling a Monster Meeting in the Park, to take the sub- 
ject into consideration? In many respects, that would be a most 
desirable and appropriate day for such a meeting. That is the 
ever-glorious Anniversary of the Evacuation of the City by the 
British — and of the triumphant entry of Washington at the head 



13 

of the Veterans of the Revolution. It will be a great National 
Holy-Day among our citizens ; a day of rejoicing and thanks- 
giving, of joy and jubilee, among all classes of the people. The 
whole military force of the city will then be out, glittering in 
their gay and martial attire ; the sound of martial music will be 
heard from every quarter, and flags and banners will stream in 
the sunshine, and flutter in the breeze, from every corner. The 
city will be filled with strangers from all parts of the country, 
all anxious to participate in the festivities of the occasion. The 
spirit of liberty will animate every heart, and gratitude to the 
memory of the Founders of the Republic will thrill through 
every bosom, and not less than half a million of happy and con- 
tented freemen will throng our streets, ready to unite in the all- 
glorious exclamation — "Long live the Republic, and all honor 
to the illustrious name of the immortal Washington !" 

Let the call be made, and let the wishes of the people be heard 
on the subject. Such a mighty demonstration of the public 
mind would raise such a feeling of pride and patriotism in the 
hearts of the people as no man among us ever dreamed of. Once 
more, I repeat it, let the meeting be held. Let all the orators 
of the city be there, and let theitsspiring voice of lofty and soul- 
stirring eloquence be heard from every stand ; and let the glad 
shouts of a united people mingle with the roar of artillery and 
the strains of martial music, until the very heavens ring with 
the responsive exclamation : " The monument shall be built 1" 
The ghost of many a martyred patriot would visit such a meet- 
ing, and unite in such a demonstration of national rejoicing — 
the fleshless bones of many a veteran warrior, who had fought 
and died in his country's service, would rattle together in their 
uncofiined graves with joy, at the thought of such a gathering 
of the people, for such a purpose, for they would feel their deeds 
of valor were about to be honored in this tribute of the nation's 
gratitude to the memory of the illustrious chieftain who had so 
often led them forth to battle and to victory. 

It was here that the army of the revolution was disbanded ; 
it was here that the immortal leader of the armies who achieved 
our Independence bade a final farewell to his compatriots in 
the field of carnage ; and, it was here, in the old Federal Hall, 
that once stood where our Custom House Palace now stands, 
that our own beloved Washington was inaugurated, the first 
Chief Magistrate of the United States. The city of New York 
— the great metropolis of this mighty nation — the theatre of 
some of the most interesting incidents in the life of Washing- 
ton — what place more appropriate to erect a suitable monu- 
ment to his memory. The citizens of New York — the wealthiest 
and most prosperous community in the Republic — what people 
more able or bette'r prepared to contribute the funds necessary 
for such a work. The twenty-fifth of November — the anniver- 
sary of one of the most important epochs in our history — what 
day more appropriate for holding a public meeting for the fur- 



14 

therance of so worthy an object ? Our beautiful and capacious 
Park — the scene of all our great gatherings and rejoicings — 
what spot better adapted for the accommodation of such a 
monster meeting of the people 1 The twenty-second of Febru- 
ary — the all-glorious and ever-to-be-remembered birth-day of 
the Father of his Country — what day more appropriate for the 
laying of the corner-stone of such an edifice? The whole city 
and surrounding country would be present, and unite, heart and 
soul, in the festivities of the occasion. It would be a great and 
glorious day among our citizens — the proudest day New York 
ever witnessed. 

Once more I repeat it — Let the monument be built ! It can 
be done — and if the people once will it, it will be done. There 
is not an individual in the city who would not be benefitted by 
it far beyond the amount he contributed towards its erection, 
no watter what thatjsum may be. The money collected for this 
purpose would not be taken out of the city. It would go into 
the hands of our best mechanics, artizans, and laborers — be 
again expended among us, and much of it would return again 
to the very pockets from which it was taken. Let it be the 
work of New York in every sense of the word. Let it be built 
with our own money, and let the labor be performed by our own 
workmen. Every individual in the city would be benefitted, 
directly or indirectly, by such a work. It would double the 
value of all real estate in its immediate vicinity, as soon as its 
location was determined upon. It would give an impetus to 
everv kind of business, and cause renewed activity in every de- 
partment of trade. The city would be constantly filled with 
travellers, who w^ould come thousands of miles to see it, and 
spend their money among us. Merchants from every section of 
the Union, who had been in the habit of purchasing their mer- 
chandise in other cities, would come to see the Great Monument, 
and buy their goods of our merchants. People who had never 
visited the city before,would flock here in multitudes from every 
part of the country to gaze upon and admire this sublime and 
magnificent structure — New York's munificent tribute of grati- 
tude and respect to the Father and Founder of the republic ! 
Such a work would impoverish no man's pocket — would take no 
money out of the city : but it would be the means of bringing 
into the city, annually, thousands of dollars that would never 
be brought here, were the monument not constructed. Who, 
then, so poor that he would not cheerfully contribute five dol- 
lars towards the erection of such a noble edifice, were it merely 
designed as a public ornament to adorn and beautify the city ? 
Who so indifferent about the character of his own good name, 
that he would not give this paltry sum, that it might be trans- 
mitted down to future times, in the same monument that shall 
ensure immortality to the august name of Washington. 

Fcllo7v Citizens ! Let it not be said that New York is too poor 
to meet the expense of such a vast and costly work. Let it not 



rs 

go forth to the world that our poverty prevents us from render- 
ing this merited tribute of our gratitude to the memory of a 
great and distinguished national benefactor. Such is not the 
case. Let it not be said that a city numbering nearly half a 
million of inhabitants, and containing a hundred millionaires, and 
half that number of thousand merchant princes, is too poor to 
build a monument to the memory of him to whom they are in- 
debted for their present wealth and prosperity. We have those 
among us who can sport their thousand dollar carriages, and give 
their thousand dollar balls and parties, without any fears of beg- 
garing their fortunes. We do not set up the plea of poverty, 
when called upon to contribute to ten dollar dinners, got up in 
honor of some foreign scribbler of questionable character, who 
comes here to fatten upon our charity for awhile, and then re- 
turn home and vilify our institutions and ridicule our national 
peculiarities. We esteem it a high privilege to be permitted to 
witness the immodest feats of a Dutch dancing-girl, who exhibits 
herself before us, almost in a state of nudity, at a dollar a sight. 
We find it no easy matter to obtain a seat in the Tabernacle, 
" tickets one dollar each," when a Templeton sings, or a Nor- 
wegian Bull holds forth on the fiddle ; and when the " Lion Pi- 
anist" makes his appearance, labeled with the approbation of half 
the courts of Europe, we set all manner of restraint at defiance, 
and hurry into his august presence, impatient to listen to the ar- 
tificial thunder forced out of a seven-octave piano by this more 
than Apollo of music, no matter what the price of admission. 
But I have no particular fault to find on this subject. This is all 
well enough in its way for those who like the sport, and have 
plenty of money with which to pay the fiddler ; but while we 
are thus engaged in encouraging and patronising foreign artists, 
let us not forget that we are Americans, and that those of our 
own countrymen who have devoted their lives and fortunes to 
the service of their country merit some small portion of our 
gratitude and respect. If, then, we cannot aflford to pay this 
small tribute of respect to the memory of Washington, we de- 
serve to return again to that bondage from which he so nobly 
and successfully freed us. But it will not be on account of our 
poverty, but because of our ingratitude, if we neglect to do our 
duty in this matter. 

What but the love of immortal fame — the ever-present de- 
sire to be remembered — the undying hope that his name may 
live in the grateful recollections of his countrymen in after-times, 
prompts the statesman to forego his own comfort for the public 
good, or induces the patriot hero to peril his life on the battle- 
field in defence of his country 1 'Tis this fond desire to be re- 
membered — this •' longing after immortality" — this hope that his 
name and memory may enjoy a bright and glorious hereafter — 
that cheers the patriot's heart and nerves his arm for action, when 
all is dark and gloomy, and bids him once more strike for fame 
and country. Do away with this motive to honorable ambition 



16 

— cease to revere and honor the memory of those who dare and 
die for their country — let them feel that no glorious future would 
be their portion — that no memorial of a nation's gratitude would 
mark their graves — that no national anthem would swell with 
their praises, and recount to future generations the thrilling story 
of their mighty achievements — and what would be ihe result? 
Do away with this high and holy motive to honorable ambition, 
and we should soon become a nation without a name — a coun- 
try without a government. No people who neglect to pay pro- 
per honor and respect to the memory of their departed benefac- 
tors can long remain in a free, prosperous, and happy condition. 
Cowper, one of England's noblest and most inspired bards, in 
lofty and glowing strains, hath sung — 

"Patriot's have toiled, and, in their country's cause 
Bled nobly; and their deeds, as they deserve, 
Receive proud recompense." 

Would to heaven, that this noble sentiment could be applied 
to the self-denying patriots who promulgated our Declaration 
of Independence, and those who fought the battles of our Revo- 
lution ! But, alas ! many of their names are already forgotten 
— and the graves of most of the great leaders in each yet remain 
uncommemorated. Let us no longer delay action in this matter, 
for they richly merit all the honor we can bestow upon their 
memories. Let us show a becoming respect for their characters, 
and pay suitable tribute to their names and memories, and we need 
have no fear of the future. Let us do our duty to the memory 
of the " departed worthies" of our country, and we need have 
no fears that the future honor and welfare of the nation will be 
neglected. But do away with the motive that prompts to great 
and noble deeds — destroy this mainspring to honorable ambition, 
and where will you find your future patriot statesman to sound the 
alarm of approaching danger? where the noble patriot warrior 
to lead your columns on to battle, when the hour for action ar- 
rives ? Let us, then, vindicate the character of our country from 
the merited reproaches which have been so long heaped upon us 
by foreign nations on account of our ingratitude to the memory of 
our country's most illustrious benefactor. Let the city of New 
York now redeem the pledge which she has twice made to the 
people of the Union, that a monument to the memory of Wash- 
ington should be erected in this city. Let us arise in all the great- 
ness of our strength and the majesty of our power ; and let the 
earthquake voice of a united people thunder forth the joyful pro- 
clamation, till every ear shall ring with the glad tidings, and every 
tongue shall respond to the thrilling exclamation. The MoNu^nxr 
3KA.LL BE BUILT ! In a wofd — let it be no longer said that Wash- 
ington's is a name without a memory — a grave without a JNIonu- 
MENT. Your fellow-citizen and humble servant, 

L S. LYON, 

Cartmak,No. 2489. 



3477-250 



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